In the area of Biomedical Engineering, Bio-MEMS (Biomedical Micro Electro Mechanical

Systems) technology is an interesting area of research which aims to develop compact

devices in order to enhance the human health monitoring and diagnostic systems for
improving the quality of health delivery systems to patients. Since blood is composed of
manifold health indicator markers, it is important to continuously control the blood
conditions. In diabetics the glucose level has to be regulated at least two times during the day.
Commercial home glucose testing devices work by puncturing the skin with a solid lancet
needle which can cause tissue damage, and may be frightening and painful, especially for
children. In addition, health system organizations need to equip with a device capable to test
the blood in emergency situations without having to refer to laboratories or hospitals.

In this regard, the microtechnology aims to solve the aforementioned shortcomings by

converting the conventional hypodermic needles into miniaturised transdermal microneedles
to develop a wearable lab-on-a-chip for blood analysis. It attempts to provide a microanalyser
for specific blood chemicals such as glucose and prescription drug levels. More specifically a
system will be developed to operate by sampling blood from the skin capillaries rather than
through a vein in the form of an adhesive patch resembling a "Band Aid" plaster. It combines
microfluidics with integrated electronics, photonics and mobile communications in a single
unit. This will make use of silicon or polymer microneedles that provide continuous painless
access to blood capillaries under the skin. The blood sample is then separated into the desired
components for analysis by a nanosieve with microfluidic channels of various sizes.

Microneedles are the principal components of the system. Their correct functionality could
lead to feasibility of blood sampling for further analysis in the other compartments of the
system. The concept of microneedles was first introduced in the 1970s, but the lack of
microfabrication technology impeded the experimental demonstration of the concept. It was
not until the 1990s when microfabrication tools provided by the microelectronics industry
were used to generate such microscopic structures that made further progress in the field a
possibility. In view of the fact that appropriate design assures microneedle penetration into
the skin, and avoids both patient discomfort and the fracture of the needle, it is crucial to
determine the factors affecting its performance and assessing the inevitable aspects of the
design, such as acceptable range of material, height, diametre and shape.